A table alternative?

[markg2]

Form creation task question: Is there any easier or alternate way of formatting the top 1/3 other than using a table (instead of indents/tabs) and then hiding the table for printing (table lines do not want to appear in the top 1/3 but do in the bottom 2/3)?

Top 1/3 of page-- (section pertaining to question)

(indent) text, text (indent) _____________


repeat above several times

Bottom 2/3-- (not part of the question)

Table

[Charles Kenyon]

Not sure what your objection to using a table is. Sorry.

Tables remain the best way to position text on a page relative to other text or images on the page.

The borders on each cell can be different.

Tables

[fumei]

Hard to say without seeing a document, but I agree with Charles query, What is the issue with using a table?

[markg2]

>>>Not sure what your objection to using a table is>>>

My lack of knowledge and infrequent need, therefore lack of use resulting in little to no reinforcement of new information.

Particularly in this instance--the top chunk needs to be centered horizontally on the page. Other than first hitting the tab a time or two, then inserting the table, then grabbing the lower right to scrunch the table to the left to make the table 'sort of' centered, I have no idea how to do the task. You'll likely suggest moving the L and R tab stops--which, although seemingly simple, is something that gives me grief.

Further, even when I specify the cell dimension to match a measured physical pattern, the cell still 'grows' with text.

Mark

[macropod]

Originally Posted by markg2

the top chunk needs to be centered horizontally on the page. Other than first hitting the tab a time or two, then inserting the table, then grabbing the lower right to scrunch the table to the left to make the table 'sort of' centered, I have no idea how to do the task. You'll likely suggest moving the L and R tab stops--which, although seemingly simple, is something that gives me grief.

It think it's time you discovered centred tab-stops as well...

Perhaps you could attach a document to a post with some representative data showing the layout you're after? You do this via the paperclip symbol on the 'Go Advanced' tab.

It seems this is much the same issue you've been asking about in the Excel forum, re variable cell widths. Do note that, unlike Excel, Word supports those - and variable cell heights.

[markg2]

>>>seems this is much the same issue you've been asking about in the Excel forum>>>

An astute observation Paul.

The preferred application is Excel (vs. Word). My one experience with a Word table with a math function was that it worked initially then not. When I had later asked here about the breakdown I was told that Word's math was weak and that's why there's Excel.

I've attached a scan of a poor photocopy of the base form that will require changes once entered into Excel or Word.

[macropod]

I've looked at your PDF and I really don't see what the issue is vis-à-vis either a Word table or an Excel worksheet. All that's required in either case is the judicious merging and bordering of various cells.

[markg2]

Palm to forehead--I never thought of merging TO the L and R margin for the top part which would take care of the grid lines.

Thanks

[macropod]

There is also the minor issue of gridlines not being the same as borders. In Excel, the display & printing of gridlines is optional. In Word, the display of gridlines (which don't print) is optional.